When John F. Kennedy entered the presidential limousine at Love Field in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963, he began his ride into history. That journey continues even today and we call it the Kennedy legacy.
This course will explore the Presidency, assassination, and lasting legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Students will learn how JFK’s life, administration, and tragic death have influenced the general public, the media, and each of the nine U.S. presidents who followed.
Understanding the Kennedy legacy and being able to identify elements of his legacy within the context of modern politics helps understand many of the vexing problems that developed over the last half century as well as many of the challenges that confront us today.
November 22, 1963 was so powerful a moment that in the fifty years since the assassination, every U.S. President that followed JFK has used Kennedy’s words and actions in an effort to craft their own political image. Why does Kennedy’s influence persist, and will it continue? What are the effects?
We’ll address these questions and more as we explore The Kennedy Half Century.
Follow on Twitter: @JFKclass.
The Kennedy Half Century
Offered By
University of Virginia
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
12 hours to complete
John F. Kennedy's Rise to Power
9 videos (Total 106 min)
9 videos
Introduction19m
JFK: Rise to Power10m
Kennedy's Legislative Career8m
JFK Takes to the National Stage9m
Campaign for the Presidency9m
Religion and Politics17m
The 1960 Debates9m
Heading to Election Day7m
The 1960 Election13m
Week
22 hours to complete
The Kennedy Presidency and Assassination
11 videos (Total 133 min), 1 reading
11 videos
Civil Rights17m
The Space Program6m
Containing Communism: The Bay of Pigs Disaster10m
The Berlin Crisis12m
The Cuban Missile Crisis Part 110m
The Cuban Missile Crisis Part 27m
The Assassination 10m
The Assassination: Parkland Hospital, a New President, & a National Funeral18m
The 50th Anniversary Ceremony in Dallas10m
Oswald20m
1 reading
Resources10m
Week
33 hours to complete
The Kennedy Legacy Begins
13 videos (Total 161 min)
13 videos
The Assassination: Physical Evidence5m
The Warren Commission14m
The Mysterious Motorcycle20m
The Dictabelt12m
New Information Since the 50th15m
Conspiracy Theories I17m
Conspiracy Theories II12m
President Lyndon Johnson I7m
President Lyndon Johnson II12m
President Lyndon Johnson III10m
President Richard Nixon7m
President Gerald Ford14m
Week
42 hours to complete
The Kennedy Effect Over Fifty Years
11 videos (Total 113 min), 1 quiz
11 videos
President Jimmy Carter, Part Two11m
President Ronald Reagan I7m
President Ronald Reagan II7m
President Ronald Reagan III5m
President George H.W. Bush5m
President Bill Clinton13m
President George W. Bush10m
President Barack Obama16m
Conclusion: A Flame Eternal?16m
Who Was the Real JFK9m
1 practice exercise
Final20m
4.6
75 ReviewsTop Reviews
Larry Sabato is a true genius in political thought. Great realizing that he is fascinated by John Kennedy as I am. There was technical difficulty in Coursera realizing that I had finished the course.
I really loved this class! Professor Sabato taught this class so eloquently and so well. I have studied the JFK Presidency and Assassination for years, and I loved learning more from this course.
Instructor
Professor Larry J. Sabato
Robert Kent Gooch Professor of PoliticsDirector, UVA Center for Politics
About University of Virginia
A premier institution of higher education, The University of Virginia offers outstanding academics, world-class faculty, and an inspiring, supportive environment. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University is guided by his vision of discovery, innovation, and development of the full potential of students from all walks of life. Through these courses, global learners have an opportunity to study with renowned scholars and thought leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
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